In 1999, Kanan joined the cast of the NBC soap opera Sunset Beach as Jude Cavanaugh and remained with the show until its cancellation later that year. He wrote and executive-produced Chasing Holden, distributed by Lionsgate, which starred DJ Qualls. In November 2000, he joined the cast of the CBSsoap operaThe Bold and the Beautiful as Deacon Sharpe,[4] playing a character that was originally conceived as a short-term villain.[5] In 2002, rumors surfaced that the actor was fired, but he remained with the show until early 2005 when he opted to go on a recurring status, and he last appeared February 22, 2005.[5]

Upon leaving The Young and the Restless in January 2012,[7] Kanan reprised his role as Deacon Sharpe on The Bold and the Beautiful. He appeared on and off from May until September 2012.[8][9] Following his departure from the show, Kanan was reported to be returning to General Hospital. On October 26, 2012, Kanan returned to the role of A. J. Quartermaine on General Hospital after a 15-year absence.[10] The actor was convinced that his past issues with alcohol abuse would be the reason he would never return to the soap.[11] He was let go in early 2014, and expressed disappointment in what the writing team had come up for his character.[12][13] The actor then returned to The Bold and the Beautiful as Deacon Sharpe, first airing June 13, 2014.[12] Upon being rehired, Kanan noted that Deacon is the favorite of all the characters he played.[13]